Having other people find out that you have a sexually transmitted infection can be very embarrassing. If you’re not ready to go to the doctor yet, but you suspect you may have gotten an infection, STD home testing kits can be a convenient alternative.
The best thing about at-home STD tests is that you can do it yourself in the privacy and comfort of your own home. And you don’t have to worry about what other people may think when they find out you have an STD. Learn more about STD home testing kits and what benefits they offer.
Why You Should Test for STIs
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can lead to severe health issues, especially if left undiagnosed and untreated for a long time. Complications of untreated STDs include infertility, organ damage, and even cancer.
Unfortunately, many sexually transmitted infections are asymptomatic, which means you won’t be seeing any noticeable symptoms. A lot of people believe that if they don’t have any symptoms, then they don’t really need to be tested for STIs.
In truth, if you are sexually active, you should have yourself regularly tested for sexually transmitted diseases, particularly if you have multiple sex partners or if you have engaged in unprotected sex.
If you’re seeing some symptoms which you think may be indicative of an STI, it’s best that you test yourself right away. The sooner that you find out you’re infected, the sooner you can get yourself treated.
Testing for HIV at Home
In the past, if you needed to get yourself tested for HIV, you had to go to a hospital or health center. Today, over-the-counter FDA-approved home testing kits for HIV are already available. There are also labs that allow you to anonymously send a sample of your blood which you take at home using an OTC test kit.
Depending on which HIV home test kit you use, you can find out whether you’re infected with a sexually transmitted disease or not in just a short time. Some test kits give you the result in less than half an hour. If you send your sample to a lab, it can take just a few days for your results to be ready.
With HIV, early detection is crucial because the disease is relatively easier to treat and control while it’s still in its early stages. If you’re experiencing rashes, muscle and joint pains, and swelling around your lymph nodes, you may want to buy an HIV home testing kit, just to be sure.
Testing for Other STDs
Many STD home testing kits are now available, and you can test for a number of sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, herpes, and syphilis.
Some manufacturers offer single test kits for specific STDs, while there are also labs that offer a panel of tests for your blood or swab sample. Single STD test kits are usually cheaper; however, they’re designed to test for a specific sexually transmitted infection only.
The problem with that is if you’re not sure which STI you may have acquired, you may end up buying the wrong STD home testing kit. Thus, before you head out and buy a home testing kit, its best to read up a bit on the various symptoms of different sexually transmitted diseases so that you’ll know which STD home testing kit you should be using.
Alternatively, you can also try getting a panel test. Some labs can test your sample for five or more different STDs, including HIV. This can be more expensive than single STD test kits, but if you really want to be sure that you’re STD-free, it may be well worth it.
Common STD Symptoms
To help you identify which sexually transmitted disease you may have acquired, here are some of the most common symptoms associated with each disease.
Chlamydia
Common symptoms of chlamydia typically appear weeks after the initial exposure. These include swollen testicles, painful urination, and penile discharge. You may also experience rectal pain and bleeding, or you may have rectal discharge if the disease has spread to your rectum.
Gonorrhea
This bacterial sexually transmitted infection can also cause painful urination. Penile discharge due to gonorrhea may be greenish, yellowish, or whitish in color. Your testicles may become swollen or painful, and you may also experience joint pains.
Hepatitis B
Although sexually transmitted, the symptoms of hepatitis B are not focused around the genital area. Some of the symptoms of hepatitis B are often mistaken as symptoms for flu or colds. You may also experience loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, muscle pains, joint pains, and jaundice.
Herpes simplex
This viral sexually transmitted infection can affect your genitals or your mouth. You need to watch out for pimple-like blisters on your anus, penis, thighs, tongue, lips, or gums. The area where these blisters appear usually feels itchy, or you may feel a burning or tingling sensation. You may also experience fever and loss of appetite.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
This type of STD typically causes genital warts. Warts may also form in your mouth or throat. In men, however, an HPV infection may lead to penile, throat, or anal cancer.
Syphilis
This bacterial STD has four phases and the symptoms vary in each phase. Primary syphilis is usually characterized by small painless sores, while secondary syphilis is accompanied by a skin rash on the soles of your feet or the palm of your hands. Tertiary syphilis is extremely dangerous because it causes damage to your internal organs.
The Bottom Line
No matter how embarrassed you may feel, if you notice any signs of STD, you should immediately find out whether you’ve somehow acquired an infection or not. It’s definitely not a good thing to ignore a sexually transmitted infection as it can lead to severe health consequences.
At-home STD testing kits can tell you whether you’re still STD-free or not anymore. But remember, these kits only tell you that you’ve been infected. So, if you tested positive, it would be best that you reach out to your healthcare provider immediately.
